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UGANDAN Edwin Gusongoirye (30) appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam yesterday, charged with several counts relating to fraudulent use of communication network and occasioning loss of over 210m/- to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

Gusongoirye, a technician, was arraigned alongside a local businessman Steven Simon (45), on charges also comprising operating electronic communications without a licence, importation and installation of electronic communication equipment without a licence and use of unapproved electronic equipment.

The two accused persons were not allowed to enter plea to the charges before Resident Magistrate Godfrey Mwambapa as they are facing economic charges. The magistrate ordered them to remain in remand as his court lacked jurisdiction to determine any bail application.

`He directed the case to come for mention on July 25, when it will be mentioned. The prosecution, led by Senior State Attorney Nassoro Katuga, informed the court that investigations into the matter have not been completed.

It is alleged that between March 6 and June 22, 2017 within the City of Dar es Salaam, all accused persons unlawfully created a system designated to fraudulently use or obtain network service with intent to avoid rates payable for receiving or transmitting international incoming traffic.

According to the prosecution, the accused are alleged to have terminated international incoming traffic by using unlicensed gateway. The prosecution told the court that within the same period, the accused unlawfully operated international gateway for receiving and transmitting international telecommunication traffic without a licence issued by the Authority.

It is alleged further that at unknown date within the United Republic of Tanzania, the accused persons unlawfully imported into Tanzania some electronic communication equipment, which three Sim Boxes bearing same serial numbers without having a licence issued by TCRA.

The court heard further that before March 2012 in Dar es Salaam, the accused installed and maintained the said equipment, two laptops make Dell and Hp, Smile 4G LITE modem, TP Link Switch and Huawei Wifi modem without licence issued by the Authority.

It is alleged that between March 6 and June 22, 2017 in the city, the accused used the equipment connected to electronic communications network service for the purpose of receiving and transmitting electronic communication signals without approval of the Authority.